Lock mechanism, and electronic device equipped with lock mechanism

ABSTRACT

A lock mechanism of the present disclosure includes an engaging member, an operating member, and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism translates a linear movement of the operating member between a first position and a second position into a rotation of the engaging member between a first rotational position and a second rotational position so that, when the operating member is moved to the first position, the engaging member is rotated to the first rotational position, and, when the operating member is moved to the second position, the engaging member is rotated to the second rotational position. The engaging member includes a pair of engaging pieces around a rotation shaft center, and an engaging-target portion includes a pair of engaging recesses with which the pair of engaging pieces engages when the engaging member lies at the first rotational position, and from which the pair of engaging pieces disengages when the engaging member lies at the second rotational position.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to, in an electronic device configured toinclude a first unit and a second unit so that the first unit and thesecond unit are detachable, a lock mechanism capable of locking thefirst unit and the second unit coupled each other, and relates to theelectronic device equipped with the lock mechanism.

2. Description of Related Art

Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-99007 has disclosed adetachable mechanism (a lock mechanism) capable of locking a tabletcomputer (a first unit) coupled with a station (a second unit) includinga keyboard. In this detachable mechanism, a one-sided hook (an engagingportion) is provided on the station, and an engaging-target portioncapable of engaging with the engaging portion of the station is providedon the tablet computer.

SUMMARY

A lock mechanism of the present disclosure is capable of locking, in anelectronic device configured to include a first unit and a second unitso that the first unit and the second unit are detachable, the firstunit and the second unit coupled each other.

The lock mechanism includes an engaging member provided to the secondunit to project externally from a predetermined face of the second unitso as to be turnable about a rotation shaft center perpendicular to thepredetermined face, and an operating member provided to the second unitso as to be linearly movable between a first position and a secondposition. The lock mechanism also includes an engaging-target portionthat is provided on a first side of the first unit, and that is formedto, when the first unit and the second unit are coupled each other,engage with the engaging member when the engaging member lies at a firstrotational position, and disengage from the engaging member when theengaging member lies at a second rotational position, a drive mechanismthat translates a linear movement of the operating member between thefirst position and the second position into a rotation of the engagingmember between the first rotational position and the second rotationalposition so that, when the operating member is moved to the firstposition, the engaging member is rotated to the first rotationalposition, and, when the operating member is moved to the secondposition, the engaging member is rotated to the second rotationalposition.

The engaging member includes a pair of engaging pieces around therotation shaft center.

The engaging-target portion includes a pair of engaging recesses withwhich the pair of engaging pieces engages when the engaging member liesat the first rotational position, and from which the pair of engagingpieces disengages when the engaging member lies at the second rotationalposition.

According to the present disclosure, since, when the operating member isoperated, the engaging member can be rotated about its rotation shaftcenter to engage with the engaging-target portion, a stable engagementstate can be achieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an electronic device according tothis exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of the electronic device according tothis exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a front view of the electronic device according to thisexemplary embodiment (a first unit is fitted to a second unit).

FIG. 3B is another front view of the electronic device according to thisexemplary embodiment (the first unit is removed from the second unit).

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first unit (a tablet computer) ofthe electronic device according to this exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of an engaging-target portion ofthe first unit of the electronic device according to this exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 illustrated inFIG. 5.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a socket of the second unit of theelectronic device according to this exemplary embodiment (an engagingmember lies at a first rotational position).

FIG. 7B is a partial enlarged perspective view of the engaging member ofthe socket of the second unit of the electronic device according to thisexemplary embodiment (the engaging member lies at the first rotationalposition).

FIG. 8A is another perspective view of the socket of the second unit ofthe electronic device according to this exemplary embodiment (theengaging member lies at a second rotational position).

FIG. 8B is another partial enlarged perspective view of the engagingmember of the socket of the second unit of the electronic deviceaccording to this exemplary embodiment (the engaging member lies at thesecond rotational position).

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a socket main body of the electronicdevice according to this exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9B is a side view of the socket main body of the electronic deviceaccording to this exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 illustrated inFIG. 12B (some members are omitted).

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of component parts of the socket, amongcomponent parts of a lock mechanism of the electronic device accordingto this exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12A is another perspective view of the component parts of thesocket, among the component parts of the lock mechanism of theelectronic device according to this exemplary embodiment (some membersare omitted).

FIG. 12B is a plan view of the component parts of the socket, among thecomponent parts of the lock mechanism of the electronic device accordingto this exemplary embodiment (some members are omitted).

FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12C-12C illustratedin FIG. 12B.

FIG. 13A is a front view of the engaging member configuring the lockmechanism of the electronic device according to this exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 13B is a side view of the engaging member configuring the lockmechanism of the electronic device according to this exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 13C is a plan view of the engaging member configuring the lockmechanism of the electronic device according to this exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 illustrated inFIG. 12B.

FIG. 15A is a plan view of a coupling member, an operating member, andthe engaging member configuring the lock mechanism of the electronicdevice according to this exemplary embodiment (the operating member liesat a first position, and the engaging member lies at the firstrotational position).

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the coupling member, the operatingmember, and the engaging member configuring the lock mechanism of theelectronic device according to this exemplary embodiment (the operatingmember lies at the first position, and the engaging member lies at thefirst rotational position).

FIG. 16A is a plan view for describing an engagement state through thelock mechanism of the electronic device according to this exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16B-16B illustratedin FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17A is a plan view of the coupling member, the operating member,and the engaging member configuring the lock mechanism of the electronicdevice according to this exemplary embodiment (the operating member liesat a second position, and the engaging member lies at the secondrotational position).

FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the coupling member, the operatingmember, and the engaging member configuring the lock mechanism of theelectronic device according to this exemplary embodiment (the operatingmember lies at the second position, and the engaging member lies at thesecond rotational position).

FIG. 18A is a plan view for describing a disengagement state through thelock mechanism of the electronic device according to this exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18B-18B illustratedin FIG. 18A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments will be described herein in detail with referenceto the drawings appropriately. However, detailed descriptions more thannecessary might be sometimes omitted. For example, detailed descriptionsof already known items and duplicated descriptions of substantiallyidentical configurations might be sometimes omitted. Such omissions arefor preventing following description from becoming redundant more thannecessary, and for helping those skilled in the art easily understandthe following description.

Note that the attached drawings and the following description areprovided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the presentdisclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter asdescribed in the appended claims.

First Exemplary Embodiment

A first exemplary embodiment will be described herein with reference tothe drawings.

[1. Configuration]

[1-1. Outline of Electronic Device]

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of electronic device 1 according tothis exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 illustrates an appearance ofelectronic device 1 being open. FIG. 2 is a back perspective view ofelectronic device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 andother drawings define descriptions regarding directions of devices,units, and other components. A width direction is used as an identicaldirection for electronic device 1, first unit 100, second unit 200,input unit 300, and socket 400, and is sometimes simply referred in hereto as the “width direction”. In this exemplary embodiment, a rotationshaft center direction of each of hinges 500 is a direction parallel tothe above described width direction. In other drawings than FIG. 1,directions of subject units are defined. The above described definitionshave been provided to make descriptions easily understandable, and arenot intended to specify absolute disposition conditions for components,directions when used, and other conditions.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, electronic device 1 includes first unit 100 (atablet computer), and second unit 200 (a unit including keyboard 301 andother components). First unit 100 and second unit 200 are detachable,and therefore electronic device 1 is configured so to speak as adetachable computer.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are front views of electronic device 1 according to thisexemplary embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 3A illustrates first unit 100and second unit 200 attached with each other, and FIG. 3B illustratesfirst unit 100 and second unit 200 detached from each other.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3B, first unit 100 is a tablet computer.First unit 100 includes display 101 on first main face 100 a (a frontface in a thickness direction). Display 101 is, for example, a liquidcrystal panel. Display 101 is also a touch panel capable of accepting atouch operation performed by a user. First unit 100 is incorporated witha central processing unit (CPU), a volatile storage device (RAM), anon-volatile storage device (e.g., ROM and SSD), a battery, and othercomponents. Second main face 100 b (a back face in the thicknessdirection) includes cover 102 that is detachable. The non-volatilestorage device (e.g., ROM and SSD) contains, for example, an operatingsystem (OS), various application programs, and various data. The centralprocessing unit (CPU) reads the OS, the application programs, and thevarious data, and executes arithmetic processing to achieve variousfunctions.

Second unit 200 includes an input portion allowing a user to executeinput processing, and is detachable with respect to first unit 100.Second unit 200 includes input unit 300, socket 400, and hinges 500.

A housing of input unit 300 is made of, for example, a metal such as amagnesium alloy or a resin. Main face 300 a (a front face in a thicknessdirection) of input unit 300 is provided with the input portionincluding keyboard 301, touch pad 302, a plurality of operation buttons303, and other devices.

Socket 400 is capable of accommodating side 100S lying on a lower sidein a top-bottom direction of first unit 100 (a first side: hereinafterappropriately referred to as “lower side 100S”).

Hinges 500 couple side 300S lying on a rear side in a depth direction ofinput unit 300 (a second side: hereinafter appropriately referred to as“rear side 300S”) and side 400S lying on a lower side in the top-bottomdirection of socket 400 (a third side: hereinafter appropriatelyreferred to as “lower side 400S”) so that input unit 300 and socket 400are relatively rotatable. Hinges 500 each have rotation shaft center HCparallel to the width direction of electronic device 1. Hinges 500 arecapable of holding first unit 100 and second unit 200 opening eachother, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, at an angle ofapproximately 100 degrees. Hinges 500 allow first unit 100 to close withrespect to second unit 200 (in a state where first main face 100 a offirst unit 100 and main face 300 a of input unit 300 of second unit 200face close each other to be almost parallel).

Socket 400 is provided with connector 460 to be connected to connector120 (see FIG. 4) of first unit 100 while lower side 100S of first unit100 is being accommodated. Via connector 120 and connector 460, varioussignals and electric power can be transferred between first unit 100 andsecond unit 200. For example, signals output from the input portion,such as keyboard 301, touch pad 302, and the plurality of operationbuttons 303, of input unit 300 of second unit 200 can be output to firstunit 100. First unit 100 can receive these signals to perform controlsbased on the received signals. Accordingly, electronic device 1 can beused as a laptop computer when first unit 100 and second unit 200 areattached with each other. Single first unit 100 may be used as a tabletcomputer.

[1-2. Configuration of Lock Mechanism]

Electronic device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment includes alock mechanism for preventing first unit 100 attached (coupled) tosecond unit 200 from being detached from second unit 200. In otherwords, electronic device 1 includes the lock mechanism capable oflocking first unit 100 and second unit 200 coupled each other. The lockmechanism will be described herein in detail.

[1-2-1. Configuration of Component Parts of Lock Mechanism on FirstUnit]

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of first unit 100 (a tablet computer) ofelectronic device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment. Lower side100S of first unit 100 is provided with engaging-target portions 110 ascomponent part of the lock mechanism on first unit 100. Engaging-targetportions 110 are respectively capable of engaging with engaging members443 (see FIG. 7A) of engaging portions 440 configuring the lockmechanism on second unit 200. Two engaging-target portions 110 areprovided on lower side 100S, and are separated in the width direction offirst unit 100.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of one of engaging-targetportions 110 of first unit 100 of electronic device 1 according to thisexemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line6-6 illustrated in FIG. 5.

As illustrated in the drawings, engaging-target portions 110 each areconfigured as a recess capable of engaging with each of engaging members443 described later. First unit 100 includes frame 121 made of a metal,and side cover 122 made of a resin. Frame 121 is a member configuring aframework and a part of an exterior of first unit 100. Side cover 122 isa frame-shaped member that covers the exterior of lower side 100S offirst unit 100. Recesses 121 a are formed on frame 121, while openings122 a are formed on side cover 122. An inner surface of each of recesses121 a of frame 121 is attached with protection member 123 made of ametal. Protection member 123 is provided with engaging holes 123 acapable of engaging with engaging pieces 443 a (see FIG. 7B), describedlater, of each of engaging members 443. Inside each of recesses 121 a offrame 121, engaging recesses 121 b capable of engaging with engagingpieces 443 a of each of engaging members 443 are further provided.Protection member 123 is, preferably for wear prevention, made of astainless steel material instead of a magnesium material.

[1-2-2. Configuration of Component Parts of Lock Mechanism and Socket onSecond Unit]

[1-2-2-1. Configuration of Socket]

Component parts of the lock mechanism on second unit 200 areaccommodated in socket 400.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are external views of socket 400 of electronic device 1according to this exemplary embodiment (engaging members 443 each lie ata first rotational position). Specifically, FIG. 7A is a perspectiveview of socket 400, and FIG. 7B is a partial enlarged perspective viewof one of engaging members 443.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are external views of socket 400 of electronic device 1according to this exemplary embodiment (engaging members 443 each lie ata second rotational position). Specifically, FIG. 8A is a perspectiveview of socket 400, and FIG. 8B is a partial enlarged perspective viewof the one of engaging members 443.

Socket 400 includes socket main body 410, operating member 420, engagingportions 440 including engaging members 443, and drive mechanism 430(see FIG. 11).

Socket 400 has a boat shape extending in the width direction ofelectronic device 1, and includes recesses 400 a capable of fitting withlower side 100S of first unit 100.

Engaging portions 440 are configured, as will be described later, torespectively be engageable with engaging-target portions 110 on lowerside 100S of first unit 100. Engaging members 443 are each configured,as will be described later in detail, to be rotatable about rotationshaft center RC (a shaft center of rotation shaft 443 b) that isparallel to the top-bottom direction of socket 400. Two engaging members443 are respectively provided on top faces of circuit board units 431 aof support members 431, and are separated in the width direction ofsocket 400. Two engaging members 443 are disposed in a positionalrelationship of being engageable with engaging-target portions 110 offirst unit 100 when lower side 100S of first unit 100 is fitted tosocket 400. Engaging members 443 are disposed so as to project upwardhigher than the top faces of circuit board units 431 a of supportmembers 431 (predetermined faces of the second unit).

When operating member 420 lies at the first position illustrated in FIG.7A (a predetermined leftward position in the width direction), engagingmembers 443 rotate to the first rotational position (a position whereengaging pieces 443 a of each of engaging members 443 project frontwardand backward in the thickness direction beyond each of engaging membersupports 431 b of support members 431), and engage with engaging-targetportions 110. When operating member 420 lies at the second positionillustrated in FIG. 8A (a predetermined rightward position in the widthdirection), engaging members 443 rotate to the second rotationalposition (a position where engaging pieces 443 a of each of engagingmembers 443 do not project in the thickness direction beyond each ofengaging member supports 431 b of support members 431), and disengagefrom engaging-target portions 110.

[1-2-2-2. Socket Main Body]

FIGS. 9A and 9B are external views of socket main body 410 of electronicdevice 1 according to this exemplary embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 9Ais a perspective view of socket main body 410, and FIG. 9B is a sideview of socket main body 410.

Socket main body 410 has a boat shape, and accommodates drive mechanism430 (see FIG. 11). Socket main body 410 is made of a resin. Socket mainbody 410 may be made of a metal such as a magnesium alloy.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 illustrated inFIG. 12B (some members are omitted). FIG. 10 illustrates, at a positionof line 10-10, a cross section perpendicular to the width direction (alongitudinal direction, an extending direction) of socket 400. Although,in this exemplary embodiment, the width direction, the longitudinaldirection, and the extending direction of socket 400, lower side 100S,and rear side 300S are an identical direction, a term representing anyone of the directions will be used appropriately in line with a contentof description regarding each member for easy understanding. Socket mainbody 410 has first wall 410 a and second wall 410 b. In an accommodatedstate where socket 400 accommodates lower side 100S of first unit 100,first wall 410 a extends in parallel to the extending direction of lowerside 100S of first unit 100 (see FIG. 9B), and lies in parallel to firstmain face 100 a of first unit 100. First wall 410 a supports a portion,near lower side 100S, of first main face 100 a. In the above describedaccommodated state, second wall 410 b extends in parallel to theextending direction of lower side 100S of first unit 100 (see FIGS. 9Aand 9B), and lies in parallel to second main face 100 b (back face) offirst unit 100. Second wall 410 b supports a portion, near lower side100S, of second main face 100 b. Socket main body 410 has anapproximately U-shaped cross section perpendicular to the extendingdirection.

According to the above described configuration, first unit 100 issupported by first wall 410 a and second wall 410 b of socket 400 withthe portion, near lower side 100S, of first main face 100 a and theportion, near lower side 100S, of second main face 100 b being pinchedbetween first wall 410 a and second wall 410 b.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, operation switches 103 and indicators104 are disposed on the portion, near lower side 100S, of first mainface 100 a of first unit 100, below display 101, and at around a centerin the width direction (a portion other than ends in the extendingdirection) of socket 400. Therefore, at this portion, a length (aheight) in the top-bottom direction of first wall 410 a should be set sothat the first wall 410 a does not interfere with operation switches 103and indicators 104, but an enough height cannot be secured.

To solve this problem, in this exemplary embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 9B, in socket main body 410, length L1 of each of first wall 410 aand second wall 410 b, which extends in the top-bottom direction ofsocket 400 (a direction perpendicular to the extending direction) and ismeasured at each of the ends in the width direction (the extendingdirection) of socket 400, is extended longer than length L2, whichextends in the top-bottom direction and is measured at a portion otherthan the ends in the width direction (the extending direction) of socket400. On each of first wall 410 a and second wall 410 b, opening side end410 e lies at a central portion in the width direction (a supportportion other than the ends in the extending direction) of socket 400.Each of opening side ends 410 e is formed linearly and in parallel tothe width direction (the extending direction) when a socket main body isviewed from side (when viewed perpendicularly to the first wall and thesecond wall) as illustrated in FIG. 9B.

Therefore, even when at least either member of operation switches 103 (asecond operating portion) and indicators 104 is disposed on the portion,near lower side 100S, of first main face 100 a of first unit 100, at acenter in the width direction, first unit 100 can be supported at theends in the width direction at higher positions by first wall 410 a andsecond wall 410 b. Accordingly, first unit 100 accommodated in socket400 of second unit 200 can be stably supported. Since each of openingside ends 410 e at the central portion in the width direction of socket400 has been formed linearly and in parallel to the width direction, noportions interfere with first unit 100 when first unit 100 isaccommodated into socket 400, and thus first unit 100 can be smoothlyaccommodated into socket 400.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, socket main body 410 has third wall 410 ccoupling the right end in the width direction (the extending direction)of first wall 410 a and the end of the right side in the width directionof second wall 410 b, and fourth wall 410 d coupling the end of the leftside in the width direction of first wall 410 a and the left end in thewidth direction of second wall 410 b.

Therefore, socket 400 (socket main body 410) can further bestrengthened. For example, first wall 410 a and second wall 410 b can beprevented as much as possible from collapsing in either of directionstoward which first wall 410 a and second wall 410 b are separated fromeach other. Therefore, first unit 100 attached to socket 400 of secondunit 200 can be supported more stably.

[1-2-2-3. Operating Member]

Operating member 420 is a member for accepting a lock release operationperformed by a user. Operating member 420 is made of a resin. Operatingmember 420 may be made of a metal such as a magnesium alloy. Operatingmember 420 is supported by socket 400 so as to be linearly movablebetween the first position and the second position in the widthdirection of socket 400 with respect to socket main body 410.

Operating member 420 is operable from either of first main face 100 a offirst unit 100 and second main face 100 b of first unit 100 in a statethat the portion, near lower side 100S, of first unit 100 isaccommodated in socket 400, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2. A specificdescription will be given.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 illustrated inFIG. 12B (some members are omitted). Operating member 420 includes, asillustrated in FIG. 10, first operating portion 420 a disposed on anexterior of first wall 410 a of socket main body 410, and secondoperating portion 420 b disposed on an exterior of second wall 410 b ofsocket main body 410. First operating portion 420 a and second operatingportion 420 b are coupled at respective lower portions so that operatingmember 420 is slidable in the width direction (the extending direction)of socket 400, on an exterior of socket 400. Operating member 420 has anapproximately U-shaped cross section perpendicular to the widthdirection (the extending direction) of socket 400. Therefore, a useroperates either of first operating portion 420 a and second operatingportion 420 b so as to be able to operate operating member 420 fromeither of main faces of first unit 100. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 1, when operating electronic device 1 with first unit 100 beingopen with respect to second unit 200, a user can operate first operatingportion 420 a from first main face 100 a provided with display 101toward which the user faces. When first unit 100 is closed with respectto second unit 200, first operating portion 420 a on first main face 100a cannot be operated from first main face 100 a, but second operatingportion 420 b on second main face 100 b can be operated from second mainface 100 b.

According to the above described configuration, since socket 400 andoperating member 420 have each been formed in the approximately U-shapedcross section, an internal space of socket 400 can be effectively used,and a variety of members, mechanisms, and other components can bedisposed. In this exemplary embodiment, as will be described later, theinternal space of socket 400 has been effectively used to accommodatedrive mechanism 430 for performing a releasing operation of engagementthrough the lock mechanism.

In addition to drive mechanism 430, other members can be furtheraccommodated.

[1-2-2-4. Engaging Members and Drive Mechanism]

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of component parts of socket 400, amongcomponent parts of the lock mechanism of electronic device 1 accordingto this exemplary embodiment.

In the component parts of the lock mechanism, the component parts ofsocket 400 include, as described above, operating member 420, engagingmembers 443, and drive mechanism 430.

[1-2-2-4-1. Drive Mechanism]

When operating member 420 is moved to the first position illustrated inFIG. 7A, drive mechanism 430 rotates engaging members 443 respectivelyto the first rotational position illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B. Whenoperating member 420 is moved to the second position illustrated in FIG.8A, drive mechanism 430 rotates engaging members 443 respectively to thesecond rotational position illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In otherwords, drive mechanism 430 translates a linear movement of operatingmember 420 between the first position and the second position into arotation of each of engaging members 443 between the first rotationalposition and the second rotational position.

Drive mechanism 430 includes support members 431, base member 432, andcoupling member 433.

FIGS. 12A to 12C are external views of the component parts of socket400, among the component parts of the lock mechanism of electronicdevice 1 according to this exemplary embodiment (some members areomitted). Specifically, FIG. 12A is a perspective view, FIG. 12B is aplan view, and FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view taken along line12C-12C illustrated in FIG. 12B.

Coupling members 433 each are a plate member extending along the widthdirection of socket 400, and are fixed to operating member 420. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 10, coupling member 433 is, on operatingmember 420, engaged with engaging projections 420 c extending upward soas to be fixed to operating member 420. Coupling member 433 is supportedby socket main body 410 so as to be movable along a moving direction ofoperating member 420 (the width direction of socket 400). Couplingmember 433 is made of, for example, a resin. Coupling member 433 may bemade of a metal as long as a sliding characteristics equivalent to asliding characteristics provided by a resin is secured.

Coupling members 433 each include groove 433 a (433 b) with whichengaging shaft 443 g of one of engaging members 443 is relativelymovably engaged (see FIGS. 15A, 15B, 17A, 17B).

Groove 433 a (433 b) is formed meanderingly so that, when operatingmember 420 is moved to the first position, as illustrated in FIGS. 15A,15B, one of engaging members 443 is rotated about rotation shaft centerRC (the shaft centers of rotation shafts 443 b) to the first rotationalposition, and when operating member 420 is moved to the second position,as illustrated in FIGS. 17A, 17B, one of engaging member 443 is rotatedabout rotation shaft center RC to the second rotational position.Specifically, groove 433 a is formed in an approximately reversedS-shape so that its left end in the width direction lies frontward withrespect to other portions in the thickness direction, while its rightend in the width direction lies backward with respect to the otherportions in the thickness direction. On the other hand, groove 433 b isformed in an approximately S-shape so that its left end in the widthdirection lies backward with respect to other portions in the thicknessdirection, while its right end lies frontward with respect to the otherportions in the thickness direction.

Referring back to FIGS. 12A to 12C, base member 432 is a memberextending in the width direction of socket 400, and is fixed to socketmain body 410. Base member 432 is made of, for example, a resin. Basemember 432 includes rotation center shafts 432 a and rotationrestriction walls 432 b.

Rotation center shafts 432 a are respectively inserted into shaft holes443 f respectively formed on lower portions of engaging members 443 toturnably support engaging members 443 at the lower portions.

When engaging members 443 are rotated, rotation restriction walls 432 brespectively abut arms 443 h respectively formed on the lower portionsof engaging members 443. As a result, engaging members 443 arerestricted so as to be rotated within a range between a first rotationalposition and a second rotational position.

Referring back to FIGS. 7A and 7B, support members 431 are respectivelydisposed near the right and left ends in the width direction of socket400. Support members 431 are plate members extending along the widthdirection of socket 400. Support members 431 are fixed to socket mainbody 410. Support members 431 are made of, for example, a metal. Supportmembers 431 each include circuit board unit 431 a, engaging membersupport 431 b, and engaging member disposition hole 431 d.

Circuit board units 431 a are mounted on base member 432, and fixed tobase member 432 and socket main body 410.

Engaging member disposition holes 431 d are, on circuit board units 431a, through holes opening in the top-bottom direction of socket 400, intowhich tops of engaging members 443 are respectively turnably fitted.Therefore, engaging members 443 are disposed so as to project upwardbeyond the top faces of circuit board units 431 a.

Engaging member supports 431 b are raised on circuit board units 431 aso as to straddle engaging member disposition holes 431 d respectivelyin the width direction. Engaging member supports 431 b each have a gateshape. Engaging member supports 431 b each have rotation shaft throughhole 431 c passing through in the top-bottom direction of socket 400.When rotation shafts 443 b of engaging members 443 are respectivelyinserted into rotation shaft through holes 431 c, engaging membersupports 431 b respectively support engaging members 443 at respectivetops so that engaging members 443 are respectively turnable aboutrotation shafts 443 b.

[1-2-2-4-2. Engaging Members]

FIGS. 13A to 13C are external views of one of engaging members 443configuring the lock mechanism of electronic device 1 according to thisexemplary embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 13A is a front view, FIG. 13Bis a side view, and FIG. 13C is a plan view.

Engaging members 443 each include, as illustrated in FIGS. 13A, 13B,13C, from top, rotation shaft 443 b described above, engaging body 443c, cylinder 443 e, arm 443 h, and engaging shaft 443 g.

Rotation shaft 443 b is provided on a top end of each of engagingmembers 443.

Engaging body 443 c includes a pair of engaging pieces 443 a each formedto project in a radial direction around rotation shaft 443 b. Engagingpieces 443 a are formed by cutting sides of a cylindrical body inparallel around rotation shaft 443 b (rotation shaft center RC), andthen by machining portions radially outward with respect to linesrepresented by L, on portions other than portions near a top face.

Cylinder 443 e has shaft hole 443 f opening at a bottom end. A shaftcenter of shaft hole 443 f and a shaft center of rotation shaft 443 bare formed on a single shaft center.

Arm 443 h extends externally in the radial direction from the bottom endof cylinder 443 e.

Engaging shaft 443 g extends downward in parallel to rotation shaft 443b (rotation shaft center RC) from an outer end in the radial directionof arm 443 h.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 illustrated inFIG. 12B. FIG. 14 illustrates a state where operating member 420 lies atthe first position, and each of engaging members 443 lies at the firstrotational position. Rotation shaft 443 b is inserted into rotationshaft through hole 431 c. Shaft hole 443 f is fitted with rotationcenter shaft 432 a of base member 432. As described above, the shaftcenter of shaft hole 443 f and the shaft center of rotation shaft 443 bare formed on a single shaft center. Therefore, engaging members 443 arerespectively rotatable about centers of rotation shafts 443 b and shafthole 443 f as rotation shaft center RC (the center).

[2. Action]

FIGS. 15A and 15B are external views of coupling member 433, operatingmember 420, and engaging members 443 configuring the lock mechanism ofelectronic device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment.Specifically, FIG. 15A is a plan view when operating member 420 lies atthe first position, and engaging members 443 each lie at the firstrotational position, and FIG. 15B is a perspective view.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are views for describing an engagement state of aright side in the width direction of the lock mechanism, in the lockmechanism of electronic device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment.Specifically, FIG. 16A is a plan view for describing the engagementstate, and FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16B-16Billustrated in FIG. 16A.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, when operating member 420 lies atthe first position, engaging shaft 443 g of engaging member 443, whichlies on the right side in the width direction, lies at the right end ofgroove 433 b of coupling member 433. When engaging shaft 443 g is movedfrontward in the thickness direction due to groove 433 b, engagingmember 443 is positioned at the first rotational position. At this time,as illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B, engaging pieces 443 a of engagingmember 443 engage with engaging recesses 121 b of engaging-targetportion 110 of first unit 100. Therefore, first unit 100 is locked tosocket 400.

From this state, when operating member 420 is moved to the secondposition, a state illustrated in FIGS. 17A, 17B, 18A, and 18B isachieved.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are external views of coupling member 433, operatingmember 420, and engaging members 443 configuring the lock mechanism ofelectronic device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment.Specifically, FIG. 17A is a plan view when operating member 420 lies atthe second position, and engaging members 443 each lie at the secondrotational position, and FIG. 17B is a perspective view.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are views for describing a disengagement state of theright side in the width direction of the lock mechanism, in the lockmechanism of electronic device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment.Specifically, FIG. 18A is a plan view for describing the disengagementstate, and FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18B-18Billustrated in FIG. 18A.

As illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B, when operating member 420 lies atthe second position, engaging shaft 443 g of engaging member 443, whichlies on the right side in the width direction, lies at the left end ofgroove 433 b of coupling member 433. When the engaging shaft 443 g ismoved backward in the thickness direction due to groove 433 b, engagingmember 443 is positioned at the second rotational position. At thistime, as illustrated in FIGS. 18A and 18B, engaging pieces 443 a ofengaging member 443 disengage from engaging recesses 121 b ofengaging-target portion 110 of first unit 100. Therefore, first unit 100is unlocked from socket 400, and thus first unit 100 can be removed fromsecond unit 200.

[3. Effects and Others]

[3-1. Socket Main Body]

(Details of the Present Disclosure)

In the electronic device described in Unexamined Japanese PatentPublication No. 2014-99007, when the tablet computer and the station arecoupled, the tablet computer is mainly supported to the station only byengagement between a right-left pair of projections provided on rightand left ends in a width direction of the station and a right-left pairof engaging-target portions provided on right and left ends in the widthdirection of the tablet computer. Therefore, if a force is applied fromfront or side to the tablet computer, the tablet computer might rattleor might become unstable.

In view of the above described problems in the conventional art, thepresent disclosure has an object to provide an electronic device and anelectronic device lock mechanism that is capable of stably supporting afirst unit attached to an attachment of a second unit.

(Configuration of this Exemplary Embodiment)

Electronic device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment is anelectronic device configured to include first unit 100 including display101 and second unit 200 including an input portion so that first unit100 and second unit 200 are detachable.

First unit 100 includes first main face 100 a on which display 101 isdisposed, and second main face 100 b that is approximately parallel tofirst main face 100 a. Second unit 200 includes input unit 300 on whichthe input portion is disposed, socket 400 capable of accommodating lowerside 100S (the first side) of first unit 100, and hinges 500 couplingrear side 300S (the second side) of input unit 300 and lower side 400S(the third side) of socket 400 so that input unit 300 and socket 400 arerelatively rotatable.

Socket 400 includes first wall 410 a extending, in an accommodated statewhere lower side 100S of first unit 100 is accommodated in socket 400,in parallel to the extending direction of lower side 100S to support theportion, near lower side 100S, of first main face 100 a, and second wall410 b extending, in the accommodated state, in parallel to the extendingdirection of lower side 100S to support the portion, near lower side100S, of second main face 100 b.

On first wall 410 a and second wall 410 b, length L1, which extends in adirection perpendicular to the extending direction and is measured ateach of support portions at the ends in the extending direction, islonger than length L2, which extends in a direction perpendicular to theextending direction and is measured at a support portion other than theends in the extending direction.

According to this exemplary embodiment, socket 400 includes first wall410 a extending, in an accommodated state where lower side 100S of firstunit 100 is accommodated in socket 400, in parallel to the extendingdirection of lower side 100S to support the portion, near lower side100S, of first main face 100 a, and second wall 410 b extending, in theaccommodated state, in parallel to the extending direction of lower side100S to support the portion, near lower side 100S, of second main face100 b. Therefore, first unit 100 is supported by first wall 410 a andsecond wall 410 b of socket 400 with the portion, near lower side 100S,of first main face 100 a and the portion, near lower side 100S, ofsecond main face 100 b being pinched between first wall 410 a and secondwall 410 b. Further, since, on first wall 410 a and second wall 410 b,length L1, which extends in the direction perpendicular to the extendingdirection and is measured at each of the support portions at the ends inthe extending direction, is longer than length L2, which extends in thedirection perpendicular to the extending direction and is measured atthe support portion other than the ends in the extending direction. Forthis reason, first unit 100 is supported at higher positions on the endsin the extending direction. Accordingly, first unit 100 accommodated insocket 400 of second unit 200 can be stably supported.

In this exemplary embodiment, socket 400 includes third wall 410 ccoupling one of the ends in an extending direction of first wall 410 aand one of the ends in an extending direction of second wall 410 b, andfourth wall 410 d coupling another one of the ends in the extendingdirection of first wall 410 a and another one of the ends in theextending direction of second wall 410 b.

Therefore, socket 400 can be further strengthened. For example, firstwall 410 a and second wall 410 b can be prevented as much as possiblefrom collapsing in either of directions toward which first wall 410 aand second wall 410 b are separated from each other. Therefore, firstunit 100 attached to the attachment of second unit 200 can be supportedmore stably.

In this exemplary embodiment, operation switches 103 (the secondoperating portion) and indicators 104 are disposed on the portion, nearlower side 100S, of first main face 100 a of first unit 100, at theportion other than the ends in the extending direction.

Therefore, even when at least either member of operation switches 103(the second operating portion) and indicators 104 is disposed on theportion, near lower side 100S, of first main face 100 a of first unit100, at the portion other than the ends in the extending direction,first unit 100 can be supported at the ends at higher positions by firstwall 410 a and second wall 410 b.

[3-2. Socket Operating Portion]

(Details of the Present Disclosure)

In an electronic device in which a first unit including a display and asecond unit including an input portion are coupled relatively rotatably,it has been desirable that, regardless of a rotation positionalrelationship in which both the units are, the units is easily detachableby operating an operating member for unlocking.

To satisfy the above described demand, the present disclosure has anobject to provide, in an electronic device configured to include a firstunit including a display and a second unit including an input portion sothat the first unit and the second unit are detachable, the electronicdevice including an operating member allowing easy attachment andremoval.

(Configuration of this Exemplary Embodiment)

Electronic device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment is anelectronic device configured to include first unit 100 including display101 and second unit 200 including an input portion so that first unit100 and second unit 200 are detachable.

First unit 100 includes first main face 100 a on which display 101 isdisposed, and second main face 100 b that is approximately parallel tofirst main face 100 a. Second unit 200 includes input unit 300 on whichthe input portion is disposed, socket 400 capable of accommodating lowerside 100S (the first side) of first unit 100, and hinges 500 couplingrear side 300S (the second side) of input unit 300 and lower side 400S(the third side) of socket 400 so that input unit 300 and socket 400 arerelatively rotatable.

Socket 400 includes socket main body 410, and operating member 420 forperforming a releasing operation of engagement through the lockmechanism for detachably locking first unit 100 and second unit 200.

Socket main body 410 includes first wall 410 a lying in parallel tofirst main face 100 a in an accommodated state where lower side 100S(the first side) of first unit 100 is accommodated in socket 400, andsecond wall 410 b lying in parallel to second main face 100 b in theaccommodated state.

Operating member 420 includes first operating portion 420 a disposed onan exterior of first wall 410 a, and second operating portion 420 bdisposed on an exterior of second wall 410 b.

According to this exemplary embodiment, a user can perform an operationfrom either of main faces of first unit 100.

For example, when first unit 100 is open with respect to second unit200, and electronic device 1 is operated, a user can operate firstoperating portion 420 a from first main face 100 a provided with display101 toward which the user faces. When first unit 100 is closed withrespect to second unit 200, first operating portion 420 a on first mainface 100 a cannot be operated from first main face 100 a, but secondoperating portion 420 b on second main face 100 b can be operated fromsecond main face 100 b.

In this exemplary embodiment, socket 400 has an approximately U-shapedcross section so as to accommodate lower side 100S of first unit 100.

Operating member 420 has an approximately U-shaped cross section so asto be slidable, on the exterior of socket 400, in the extendingdirection of socket 400.

According to this exemplary embodiment, since socket 400 and operatingmember 420 have each been formed in the approximately U-shaped crosssection, the internal space of socket 400 can effectively be used, and avariety of members, mechanisms, and other components can be disposed.

In this exemplary embodiment, the internal space of socket 400accommodates drive mechanism 430 for performing a releasing operation ofengagement through the lock mechanism when operating member 420 is slidtoward a predetermined side in the extending direction of socket 400.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the internal space of socket 400can be effectively used to accommodate drive mechanism 430 forperforming a releasing operation of engagement through the lockmechanism.

[3-3. Lock Mechanism]

(Details of the Present Disclosure)

A conventional engaging portion on a second unit of an electronic devicemight be sometimes a hook, which engages with an engaging-target portionof a first unit when moved toward a side in a width direction of thesecond unit, and disengages from the engaging-target portion of firstunit when moved toward the other side in the width direction of thesecond unit. Therefore, for example, a force applied to the first unitand/or the second unit so as to move the first unit to the other sidedescribed above could lead to an unstable engagement state. In addition,a plate hook that is perpendicular to a depth direction of the secondunit might be sometimes used. This case has been problematic because aforce applied to the first unit in a depth direction could cause thefirst unit to become unstable.

In view of the above described problems in the conventional art, thepresent disclosure has an object to provide a lock mechanism and anelectronic device each capable of stably keeping a second unit and afirst unit coupled each other.

(Configuration of this Exemplary Embodiment)

In electronic device 1 configured to include first unit 100 and secondunit 200 so that first unit 100 and second unit 200 are detachable, alock mechanism according to this exemplary embodiment can lock firstunit 100 and second unit 200 coupled each other.

The lock mechanism includes engaging members 443 provided to second unit200 to respectively project externally from the top faces (thepredetermined face of the second unit) of circuit board units 431 a ofsecond unit 200 so as to be turnable about rotation shaft center RCperpendicular to the top faces of circuit board units 431 a, andoperating member 420 provided to second unit 200 so as to be linearlymovable between a first position and a second position. Further includedare engaging-target portions 110 that are provided on lower side 100S offirst unit 100, and that are formed to, in a state that first unit 100and second unit 200 are coupled each other, engage with engaging members443 when engaging members 443 each lie at a first rotational position,and disengage from engaging members 443 when engaging members 443 eachlie at a second rotational position, and drive mechanism 430 fortranslating a linear movement of operating member 420 between the firstposition and the second position into a rotation of each of engagingmembers 443 between the first rotational position and the secondrotational position so that, when operating member 420 is moved to thefirst position, engaging members 443 are each rotated to the firstrotational position, and, when operating member 420 is moved to thesecond position, engaging members 443 are each rotated to the secondrotational position.

Engaging members 443 each include a pair of engaging pieces 443 a aroundrotation shaft center RC.

Engaging-target portions 110 each include a pair of engaging recesses121 b with which the pair of engaging pieces 443 a engages when engagingmembers 443 each lie at the first rotational position, and from whichthe pair of engaging pieces 443 a disengages when engaging members 443each lie at the second rotational position.

According to this exemplary embodiment, by using operating member 420,engaging members 443 each can be rotated about rotation shaft center RC,and the pair of engaging pieces 443 a provided around rotation shaftcenter RC can be engaged with the pair of engaging recesses 121 b ofeach of engaging-target portions 110. As described above, this exemplaryembodiment has employed a structure for causing the pair of engagingpieces 443 a provided around rotation shaft center RC in each ofengaging members 443 to rotate and to engage with the pair of engagingrecesses 121 b of each of engaging-target portions 110. Therefore, evenwhen, while engaging pieces 443 a and engaging recesses 121 b areengaged with each other, a force is applied to first unit 100 in one ofa front-back direction, a right-left direction, and a top-bottomdirection, and engaging pieces 443 a and engaging recesses 121 brelatively move, and, as a result, strength in engagement between one ofengaging pieces 443 a and one of engaging recesses 121 b is decreased,strength in engagement between another of engaging pieces 443 a andanother of engaging recesses 121 b can be increased. In other words,even when a force is applied to first unit 100 in one of a front-backdirection, a right-left direction, and a top-bottom direction, strengthin engagement in the lock mechanism is kept almost constant as a whole.Accordingly, even when a force is applied to first unit 100 in anydirections, a stable engagement state can be achieved.

In this exemplary embodiment, drive mechanism 430 includes engagingshaft 443 g that is provided at a position that differs in a radialdirection from rotation shaft center RC on each of engaging members 443,and that extends in parallel to rotation shaft center RC, and couplingmember 433 that is fixed to operating member 420, that is supported bysocket main body 410 (a predetermined housing) of second unit 200 so asto be movable in a moving direction of operating member 420, and thatincludes groove 433 a (433 b) relatively movably engaged with engagingshaft 443 g of each of engaging members 443.

Groove 433 a (433 b) is formed meanderingly so that, when operatingmember 420 is moved to the first position, one of engaging members 443is rotated about rotation shaft center RC to the first rotationalposition, and, when operating member 420 is moved to the secondposition, the one of engaging members 443 is rotated about rotationshaft center RC to the second rotational position.

Therefore, with a simple structure, a linear movement of operatingmember 420 can be translated into a rotation movement of each ofengaging members 443.

In this exemplary embodiment, a plurality of engaging members 443 and aplurality of engaging-target portions 110 are provided.

Drive mechanism 430 translates a linear movement of operating member 420between the first position and the second position into a rotation ofeach of engaging members 443 between the first rotational position andthe second rotational position.

Therefore, a first unit 100 and second unit 200 can be engaged at aplurality of locations, and thus a stable engagement state can beachieved. Further, an operation of single operating member 420 can drivetwo or more engaging members 443.

In this exemplary embodiment, second unit 200 includes input unit 300including keyboard 301, socket 400 capable of accommodating lower side100S of first unit 100, and hinges 500. Hinges 500 couple rear side 300S(the second side) of input unit 300 and lower side 400S (the third side)of socket 400 so that input unit 300 and socket 400 are relativelyrotatable.

The top faces of circuit board units 431 a of second unit 200 (thepredetermined face of the second unit) are faces facing lower side 100Sof first unit 100 in socket 400 when lower side 100S of first unit 100is accommodated in socket 400.

Therefore, first unit 100 and second unit 200 become are relativelyrotatable, and thus, in such electronic device 1, the above describedeffects can be achieved.

In this exemplary embodiment, the internal space of socket 400accommodates drive mechanism 430.

Therefore, effective use of the internal space of socket 400 enablesdisposition of drive mechanism 430.

In this exemplary embodiment, first unit 100 is a tablet computer.

For an increase in efficiency of text entry and other purposes, such atablet computer is often required to be detachable with respect to inputunit 300 including a keyboard and other input devices. A tablet computermight sometimes become heavy due to a central processing unit (CPU), avolatile storage device (RAM), a non-volatile storage device (e.g., ROMand SSD), a battery, and other devices incorporated in the tabletcomputer. According to this exemplary embodiment, even when first unit100 is a tablet computer, a lock mechanism capable of securely lockingfirst unit 100 can be provided, and a stable engagement state can beachieved with the lock mechanism for locking the tablet computer.

Another Exemplary Embodiment

The first exemplary embodiment has been described above and exemplifiedas the technique of the present disclosure. However, the technique ofthe present disclosure is not limited to the above described firstexemplary embodiment, but is applicable to another exemplary embodimentwhere an amendment, a replacement, an addition, or an omission has beenmade appropriately.

Another exemplary embodiment will be described herein.

In the first exemplary embodiment, second unit 200 has included inputunit 300, socket 400, and hinges 500. However, the second unit is notlimited to such a configuration. For example, the technique of thepresent disclosure is applicable to a configuration where a second unitwithout including a hinge and a socket. Specifically, a second unit isan input unit including a keyboard, and the input unit includes areceiver that is provided on a main face on which the keyboard isdisposed, and that can accept lower side 100S of first unit 100.

A predetermined face of the second unit may be a face facing lower side100S of first unit 100 on the receiver when lower side 100S of firstunit 100 is mounted on the receiver, such as a top face of the secondunit (the main face on which an input portion such as the keyboard isdisposed). In this case, an internal space of an input unit mayaccommodate a drive mechanism.

The exemplary embodiments have been described above and exemplified asthe technology of the present disclosure. Appended drawings and detaileddescriptions have also been provided.

Accordingly, the components described in the appended drawings and thedetailed descriptions include, in order to exemplify the above describedtechnique, not only essential components but also components that arenot essential. Therefore, it should not be immediately construed thatthese components that are not essential are essential even if thecomponents are described in the appended drawings and the detaileddescriptions.

Since the above described exemplary embodiments are for exemplifying thetechnique of the present disclosure, various modifications,replacements, additions, and omissions can be made within the scope ofthe appended claims or of their equivalents.

The present disclosure can be widely used in an electronic deviceconfigured to include a first unit and a second unit so that the firstunit and the second unit are detachable.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lock mechanism capable of locking, in anelectronic device configured to include a first unit and a second unitso that the first unit and the second unit are detachable, the firstunit and the second unit coupled each other, the lock mechanismcomprising: an engaging member provided to the second unit, the engagingmember projecting externally from a predetermined face of the secondunit, the engaging member being turnable about a rotation shaft centerperpendicular to the predetermined face; an operating member provided tothe second unit, the operating member being linearly movable between afirst position and a second position; an engaging-target portionprovided on a first side of the first unit, the engaging-target portionbeing formed to, when the first unit and the second unit are coupledeach other, engage with the engaging member when the engaging memberlies at a first rotational position, and disengage from the engagingmember when the engaging member lies at a second rotational position;and a drive mechanism that translates a linear movement of the operatingmember between the first position and the second position into arotation of the engaging member between the first rotational positionand the second rotational position so that, when the operating member ismoved to the first position, the engaging member is rotated to the firstrotational position, and, when the operating member is moved to thesecond position, the engaging member is rotated to the second rotationalposition, wherein the engaging member includes a pair of engaging piecesaround the rotation shaft center, and the engaging-target portionincludes a pair of engaging recesses with which the pair of engagingpieces engages when the engaging member lies at the first rotationalposition, and from which the pair of engaging pieces disengages when theengaging member lies at the second rotational position.
 2. The lockmechanism according to claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism includes anengaging shaft provided at a different position in a radial directionfrom the rotation shaft center on the engaging member, the engagingshaft extending in parallel to the rotation shaft center, and a couplingmember fixed to the operating member, the coupling member beingsupported by a predetermined housing of the second unit so as to bemovable in a moving direction of the operating member, the couplingmember including a groove relatively movably engaged with the engagingshaft of the engaging member, the groove being formed meanderingly sothat, when the operating member is moved to the first position, theengaging member is rotated about the rotation shaft center to the firstrotational position, and, when the operating member is moved to thesecond position, the engaging member is rotated about the rotation shaftcenter to the second rotational position.
 3. The lock mechanismaccording to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the engaging members and aplurality of the engaging-target portions are provided, and the drivemechanism translates a linear movement of the operating member betweenthe first position and the second position into a rotation of each ofthe engaging members between the first rotational position and thesecond rotational position.
 4. An electronic device comprising the lockmechanism according to claim
 1. 5. The electronic device according toclaim 4, wherein the second unit includes an input unit including akeyboard, a socket capable of accommodating the first side of the firstunit, and a hinge that couples a second side of the input unit and athird side of the socket so that the input unit and the socket arerelatively rotatable, and the predetermined face of the second unit is,when the socket accommodates the first side of the first unit, a facefacing the first side of the first unit in the socket.
 6. The electronicdevice according to claim 5, wherein the drive mechanism is accommodatedin an internal space of the socket.
 7. The electronic device accordingto claim 4, wherein the second unit is an input unit including akeyboard, the input unit including a receiver on a main face disposedwith the keyboard, the receiver being capable of accepting the firstside of the first unit, and the predetermined face of the second unitis, when the first side of the first unit is mounted on the receiver, aface facing, on the receiver, the first side of the first unit.
 8. Theelectronic device according to claim 7, wherein the drive mechanism isaccommodated in an internal space of the input unit.
 9. The electronicdevice according to claim 4, wherein the first unit is a tabletcomputer.